Syncretistic Scientism and Dissonant Plausibility Structure: An Analysis of Worldview Orientation Among Generation Zers in South Korea

Abstract

Generation Z (‘Gen Z’) is the generation of people born approximately between 1995 and 2010 as the children of Generation X (‘Gen X’) who were born between 1965 and 1980. Gen Z is the youngest generation with the older members of its group working in society after finishing formal education. This paper addresses the religious aspects of the Gen Z culture, focusing on the issues of worldview, plausibility structure, and worldview education. It is based on an empirical research project conducted in South Korea in 2020. The research methodology used was a constructivist grounded theory approach involving interviews of 30 people who were either Gen Zers or their religious educators. The study suggests three points concerning the ontological reflection of worldview, epistemological identification through contact points, and educational bridge-making in the mission of worldview education that is devoted to teaching the core and fundamental Christian doctrines about the world and life. First, Christian educators can understand the phenomena of syncretistic scientism among this new generation well when they approach them with faith and respect. It is important to make an ontological differentiation between the two generations that are different and heterogeneous at the worldview level. In contrast to the Gen X worldview that seems to be a mixture of modern scientism and a pre-modern tradition, the Gen Z worldview is a mixture of modern scientism and postmodern deconstructionism. Second, dissonant plausibility structures need epistemological contact points, which can be identified among cross-generational norms and values. Moving beyond identifying epistemological contact points, it is crucial to pursue an incarnational identification and find relevant ways to deliver a meaningful message to Gen Z in their preferred language of plausibility structure. Third, the relevant worldview education needs an educational bridging with a spirit and message of love. Christian educators need to teach the message of love in the spirit of love in order to be heard and help transform Gen Z’s worldview. The above three points are essential Christian teachings and cross cultural and generational barriers because they are shared as common virtues between the two generations. The bridge-making for worldview education is possible when Christian religious educators properly understand and recognize the issues of syncretistic worldview orientations, dissonant plausibility structures, and creative educational approaches based on love. This needs a spirit and message of faith, hope, and love to be relevant in ministry.